Sprint, the fourth-largest mobile network operator in the United States of America, released a statement on June 20, 2018, confirming its partnership with NXM Labs, a Blockchain startup. The decision was made so they could join forces together to use Blockchain to launch a 5G connected car platform and improve rider features.

Sprint has voiced future plans that sound like great news to all its users. Not only is the system going to be the world’s first Blockchain powered IoT (Internet of Things) security system that guards against hackers, but it will also use its platform and LTE network to provide its customers with vehicle health monitoring and mobile Wi-Fi. As of October 2017, Sprint had served over 54 million customers in the US. However, it isn’t the first one to get into this increasingly automated car industry business. Famous names like Volkswagen and Mercedes have implemented the Blockchain protocol made popular through cryptocurrency as ways to improve vehicle function. Bosch Hyperledger, Ford and BMW have also participated in MOBI (Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative), a joint industry initiative. Senior vice-president of IoT for Sprint Ivo Rook released a statement announcing the partnership with NXM by saying that “Through the power of Blockchain technology, NXM provides an advanced level of security and advanced capabilities to vehicles that might not otherwise have it, even extending Wi-Fi”.

The 5G-Ready Connected Car Platform combines advanced vehicle health monitoring and safety with on-demand high-speed passenger Wi-Fi. Passengers and drivers can choose to order cellular data by the month, week or day after connecting their devices in their vehicle. Through mobile apps, the NXM platform serves as a powerful automotive router with features like booking and scheduling service appointments. Other than its core offerings, the platform will also offer services such as data about where gas costs the least, parking space location and more. Thus, it will help people keep a track of driving expenses. Best of all, it’s a new way for family members to communicate as multiple family vehicles will now be able to connect with each other.

NXM Lab’s co-founder and CEO Scott Rankine said about the partnership that, “We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with Sprint to bring to market the most advanced and secure connected car platform ever powered by the industry’s first Blockchain OS. We’re making it easy for both pre-owned and new car buyers to experience the latest in smart connected vehicle technology features that not only help protect their investment but keep them and their family members safe.”